Morocco’s new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi began his tenure with a 1–1 draw against Ecuador in a friendly in Madrid, offering an encouraging first test two months after the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 and about three months ahead of the World Cup.
Ouahbi largely retained the core of the previous cohort, starting key players including Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz, while handing starts to Issa Diop and Chadi Riad in central defense and opting for Mohamed Rabie Hrimat in midfield. Morocco lined up in a 4‑4‑2 formation.
Ecuador made the stronger start and created the better early chances, forcing Bounou into a save and narrowly missing with another effort.
Morocco responded through Abde Ezzalzouli but reached halftime scoreless, with Ecuador holding a slight possession advantage.
The South Americans took the lead shortly after the break when Yeboah scored in the 48th minute following a defensive lapse. Morocco reacted positively, pressing higher and increasing intensity under Ouahbi’s guidance.
Substitutions proved effective, and after seeing a rebound goal disallowed following a missed penalty, Morocco equalized late when Neil El Aynaoui headed home from a corner in the 88th minute.
Ouahbi also handed senior debuts to several 20‑year‑olds, including Chemsdine Talbi, Yassine Gessime and Samir El Mourabet. Morocco face Paraguay in their next friendly on March 31 in Lens.
New Atlas Lions coach Ouahbi begins mission with encouraging draw
Morocco’s new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi began his tenure with a 1–1 draw against Ecuador in a friendly in Madrid, offering an encouraging first test two months after the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 and about three months ahead of the World Cup.
Ouahbi largely retained the core of the previous cohort, starting key players including Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz, while handing starts to Issa Diop and Chadi Riad in central defense and opting for Mohamed Rabie Hrimat in midfield. Morocco lined up in a 4‑4‑2 formation.
Ecuador made the stronger start and created the better early chances, forcing Bounou into a save and narrowly missing with another effort.
Morocco responded through Abde Ezzalzouli but reached halftime scoreless, with Ecuador holding a slight possession advantage.
The South Americans took the lead shortly after the break when Yeboah scored in the 48th minute following a defensive lapse. Morocco reacted positively, pressing higher and increasing intensity under Ouahbi’s guidance.
Substitutions proved effective, and after seeing a rebound goal disallowed following a missed penalty, Morocco equalized late when Neil El Aynaoui headed home from a corner in the 88th minute.
Ouahbi also handed senior debuts to several 20‑year‑olds, including Chemsdine Talbi, Yassine Gessime and Samir El Mourabet. Morocco face Paraguay in their next friendly on March 31 in Lens.